AC Repair Tips

Steps To Immediately Take When Your AC Fails

When faced with a broken home AC unit on a scorching hot day, there are several immediate steps you can take to stay cool and address the issue. Begin by checking the thermostat settings, ensuring it's set to "cool" and at the desired temperature. Next, inspect the circuit breaker to see if the AC breaker has tripped; if so, reset it and wait for the system to restart.

If these initial checks don't resolve the problem, your next step should be a call to an HVAC company to come and check your system. In the meantime, keep the blinds and curtains closed to block out sunlight and heat. Create cross-ventilation by strategically placing fans near windows to promote air circulation. Opt for lightweight and breathable clothing, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If available, use portable fans or invest in a temporary cooling solution like a portable air conditioner. 

Additionally, consider moving to a cooler part of the house, such as the basement, if feasible. In the hottest part of the day, you should relocate to a friend or family member’s house, or to your nearest grocery store or business to stay cool and safe from the dangerous heat. 

How To Tell If Your AC Is About To Stop Working

Here are a few warning signs that your air conditioner is at risk of breaking down:

• Strange Noises – Odd sounds coming from your AC system, such as grinding, squealing, or louder than usual operating noise are all signs that your AC is struggling to keep you comfortable.
• Warm Air From Vents – If the air coming out of your vents does not feel cold, this is the most surefire sign that your AC is struggling. 

• No Water From Your Drain Line – During the heat of summer, you should always see some water coming out of the AC unit drain line. If you don’t see any water, this is a sign that your AC is not operating at full capacity.

• Excessive Run Time – If your AC seems to be running all day and does not cycle off until the sun goes down, it is not operating at full capacity. It will most likely break down when you least expect it!

Common AC Issues For Phoenix Homes

Hobaica has been helping Phoenix homeowners with their AC repairs since 1952 and has seen it all when it comes to home air conditioning issues. Here are some of the most likely air conditioning problems you will face:

Unit Is Low On Coolant 

Refrigerant is cycled in your air conditioner - however, leaks, cracks and other issues can cause your freon levels to drop. When your AC doesn’t have the freon it needs to operate correctly, a few things happen: 

• Your system blows warmer air than what you have the thermostat set.
• Your system freezes inside the unit. After it cycles, the frozen ice warms up, which then causes the unit to leak. 

If you suspect your system is low on refrigerant, it’s essential that you do NOT try to add freon yourself. Coolant is a hazardous substance that needs to be handled by a licensed HVAC technician only! 

Our team provides free freon checks for your home’s AC - schedule your free freon check today!

Condenser Is Going Bad

An HVAC condenser is probably the most important part of your entire air conditioning system. It is the mechanism that transforms and condenses refrigerant, allowing it to be sent to the evaporator coils to expand and cool. This action creates that incredibly cool air to make your home nice and comfortable on a hot summer’s day. If your condenser stops working, you’ll notice a few things:

• Warm air blows into your home.

• Unusual noises come from your outdoor unit including grinding, rattling or hissing sounds.

• The unit freezes over. 

Do you think your condenser is malfunctioning? Call Hobaica now at 602-633-9555 to get this essential part of your AC system inspected before your system completely breaks down. 

Faulty Thermostat

If your thermostat is not working properly, it cannot communicate with your system and instruct it to cool your house. Some issues that can pop up when your thermostat is faulty include:

• Your air conditioning won’t turn on.
• Your system seems to run fine but your house is not at the temperature you would like. 
• The air conditioner cycles too quickly or won’t turn off at all. 

You can get a FREE thermostat from Hobaica simply by registering your current one with us. Sign up today for our Lifetime Thermostat Guarantee! 

Clogged Air Filter

A dirty air filter clogs the airflow in your house and wreaks havoc on your air conditioning system. When the airflow is clogged, some issues that happen include:

• Air from your system is barely flowing into your home. 

• There is no air coming into your home at all even though the system is running. 

• There is air flowing into your home, but it is warm.

We get it - life is busy! When you buy air filters online from Hobaica, we’ll automatically send you a new filter when you need it. Get started today!